July/August 2018 BWF Newsletter

Bridgewood Farms

“Providing Heart and Hope for a Community devoted to the challenges of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities”

11680 Rose Rd, Conroe, TX 77303 (936) 856-6460 Fax: (936) 856-2620

Chairman July & August 2018
Rod Chaves
Vice Chairman BRIDGEWOOD FARMS PROM 2018
Sheri Brown
Secretary This year’s “Under the Sea” Prom 2018 was an
Deborah Ellsworth enchanted evening with everyone looking their best!
Treasurer We celebrated birthdays, danced, enjoyed great food
Pat Sendelbach and celebrated the crowning of our King
and Queen. We would like to send a
Board of Directors special Thank You to The Church of
Shawn Cannon Latter Day Saints for all the fabulous
Jim O’Hare
food,decorations, corsages,
Eduardo Rodriguez boutonnieres and goody bags for all of our clients! We would like to also
Jerry Shumpert
thank the National Charity Roundtable, National
Executive Director Charity League – Monarch and Bluebonnet
Flo Nelson Chapters. Everyone enjoyed the friendships
celebrated on this wonderful evening.
Associate Executive
Director Congratulations to our Prom King and Queen: David Jennings
and Janet Denison. Also congratulations to our Princess Court:
Karen Jones
Administrator Kylie Cannon, Amy Cruz and Norma Sauceda!
Enid Goodman
15th Annual Burn Your Buns Bike Ride
Our Mission
It’s time for our 15th Annual Burn your Buns Bike
Bridgewood Farms is the Ride! Bridgewood Farms once again played host
premier provider of to this exciting event on Wednesday July 4th. It’s a

programs and services long day for volunteers and riders alike, but it
in partnership with fami- means bringing 400+ friends and neighbors to tell
lies and the community, them more about Bridgewood Farms while raising
money to offset the rising costs of programs and services. Everyone loves this
enabling individuals exciting ride in the countryside of Conroe and Willis. This year’s ride is being
with intellectual and dedicated to our friend and longtime supporter, Steve Schoger, who passed away in
developmental disabili-
ties to reach their March.
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Jeffrey Tacy; Investment
highest potential Management Group; Mules Cycling Club; The Friends of Conroe; Cannon
through training and Custom Homes; Davy & Pam Holak; Tom & Mary Krolczyk; Shumpert Family;
In kind donations: The Ark Church; Union Pacific Railroad; Borden Dairy;
life experiences Canino Produce; Costco; Jessica Bennett; Christa & Avars Krumins; State
that build self-esteem Representative Will Metcalf; David Orchanian; Helen & Lynn Schwisow; Jerry Snyder;
and promote personal Tiffani Blake & Ruby Page; Sky Holak; Steven Simmons; Albert Nelson & Lucy
Schwantz; Linda Tiernan; Steven, Karen Simmons; Brett, Darwin & Gena Shaw;
independence. August, Gary & Beverly Ward; Melinda, Stan & Edna Bubela; Pat Thomas; Quality of
Life Chiropractic; Shawn Patterson; Conroe City Councilman Duane Ham

Page 2 Bridgewood Farms

OUR CLIENTS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Thanks to our friends from the Texas Special Children’s Project, we are going to NASA
Space Center this year. The trip to NASA is scheduled for Saturday, August 18. If you are
interested in attending or being a chaperone, RSVP to Judy by August 1. There are only

70 tickets available so don’t wait too long to RSVP. The cost is $5.00 (to cover
transportation expenses) and admission and lunch is free! We will leave at 8:00 a.m. from

Wally’s Party Factory and return at 5:00 p.m. (same location).

CQI Update WATERPARK FUN!

Our CQI team has started with their quarterly Summer is here and it’s time
meetings. Their first official meeting was held on to stay cool at Conroe Park &
Rec Aquatics Center. Please
May 22. We discussed with our lead staff and remember to RSVP to Judy if
team the importance of using data collected
from our LIFE (Lasting Integration for Everyone) you want to have fun in the
program to help us improve the effectiveness of sun & water. The cost is
our programs and services and to communicate $12.00 for each outing attended.

their value to the community and our Clients will eat lunch at Bridgewood Farms at 11:00
stakeholders We are always looking for ways to and leave for the waterpark at 11:30. Remember
grow funding streams, finding new businesses
proper bathing suit attire is required and do not
to partner with and to extend learning forget to bring a towel, swim shoes, sunscreen and
opportunities through new resources for our
clients. If you have any information that you feel a change of clothes. See you at the water slide!
is essential to strengthening our organization,
please contact Karen by phone at Karen # 936- AQUA ZUMBA!

856-6460 x 105 or email at Our Bridgewood Farms clients are enjoying
[email protected]. As always, the exercising to music in the water with their friends at
Conroe Parks & Rec. They have completed half of
goal of our team is to strengthen our
organization and to keep our mission strong. their sessions of Aqua Zumba. The remaining
dates for Aqua Zumba are:
SNACK SALES July 12, 17, 19, 24, 31.

Due to the rising cost of food/snack supplies, the
cost or snacks and drinks will increase to 50¢
beginning August 1st.

LIFE ON THE FARM

Our fabulous clients work so hard to
keep Bridgewood Farms a safe and
beautiful place! Special thanks to
Lynn, Albert and Ryan W., our lead
mowers for the day program and the
residential homes! The lawn
maintenance team also focuses on the
importance of safety when using any
and all equipment; staying hydrated in
the heat and working together to tackle
large tasks. Thanks for keeping our
grounds so beautiful!

Page 3

BRIDGEWOOD FARMS “GUARDIANS” PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

The BWF Guardians, our family group, met in April and May, having a small but enthusiasƟc
crowd both Ɵmes. In May we had a very informaƟve and useful presentaƟon by Deborah Ells-
worth on special needs trusts, guardianship and related issues. We planned to meet in June but
could not get a meeƟng room. We are not meeƟng in July or August, taking a summer break.
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Thursday in September! We will remind you a couple of weeks
before the meeƟng, and give you a Ɵme and locaƟon. We hope more of you will come join us.

CLIENTS ATTEND

THE ASTROS

GAME AT

MINUTE MAID

PARK on June 18

courtesy of a

generous dona- Thank you, Woodforest Charitable Founda-
tion from the tion for your generous $5,000 donation to
support our programs and services for our
Church of Latter
Day Saints special needs clients!

Woodforest Charitable Foundation is a 501
(c)(3) charitable organization founded in

2005 and supported through generous dona-
tions from Woodforest National Bank and its

employees, friends and customers. The
Foundation is committed to making a posi-
tive impact on communities and the lives of
their citizens by contributing time, resources
and money to many charitable organizations.

Way to go, ‘stros! We appreciate your support!

Meet Our Bridgewood Farms Board of Directors

Board Member James “Jim” O’Hare

Jim O’Hare has served more than 20 years on
the BWF Board of Directors, has previously
served as president and treasurer. He has also
volunteered as our Special Olympics golf
coach for the BWF golf team. His daughter,
Colleen, has attended Bridgewood Farms for
21 years. The O’Hare family also shows their
support by generously supporting our fundrais-
ing events.

Page 4 Bridgewood Farms

Meet Our Clients

John Huckaby

Hello, I’m John Huckaby and I’ve been attending Bridgewood
Farms at their day program for 18 years.
We go bowling, to the movies and
Incredible Pizza. I attend Adult Continuing
Education, ceramics, horticulture and PE
classes at Bridgewood daily.

My mom was told to put me in a home when I was very
young because the doctor said I would never be able to do
anything, but my mom refused!

Well look at me now! Bridgewood Farms has given me a life
and I am forever grateful!

Golf Tournament Scheduled Bridgewood Farms
For October 22, 2018 Directory

On Monday, Important Phone Numbers
October 22nd,
Bridgewood Farms Main Number: 936-856-6460
will be hosƟng a
benefit golf X 100 Secretary Judy Lopez
tournament at X 101
Atascocita Golf Club in Humble thanks to the X 103 Executive Director Flo Nelson
generous support of Mr. Jerry Shumpert who X 104
secured the course on our behalf. X 105 Development Director Kristi Leggett
Sponsorship opportuniƟes and player X 106
registraƟon will soon be available on the Administrator Enid Goodman
Bridgewood Farms website. Individual X 107
players will be $125 and will include lunch Assoc. Executive Director Karen Jones
and dinner aŌerwards. Sponsorships start as X 108
low as $200. Pre-Voc Training Rhonda Fox
Grab your friends X 112 Michelle Wakefield
and come out and X 114
support Bridgewood Ceramics Jason Bulkowski
Farms while Marion Franks
enjoying a great day ACE Tammy Whitley
of golf! Lunchroom Deidre Olanrewaju
Health/PE Jessica Jones

Gregory Brewton
Cary Main

X 115 Bookkeeping Mandy Cannon
X 290 Goal Trainers Brenda Pilgrim
Deanna Hubert

936-228-2901 Horticulture Suzy Lephiew
Jon Harris

Page 5

BRIDGEWOOD FARMS AT A GLANCE

Our clients are busy bees at Bridgewood Farms this summer! In
Ceramics, our clients are busy with completing ceramic pins for our
Burn Your Buns Bike Ride making a variety of pottery wheel thrown
pieces. In HPE; clients are having healthy nutrition discussions,
increasing their time walking and developing their batting and fielding
skills by playing one of their favorite games: Money Ball. Pre-Voc
clients are creating and designing lots of popular collegiate door mats
along with wooden decorative holiday pieces; incorporating fresh
veggies from our garden into their healthy nutrition classes. In our
Adult Continuing Education class, clients are making progress on
improving their reading and math skills, life skills for everyday living
and learning the history of the Stars and Stripes for the upcoming
holiday. In Horticulture, our clients have been propagating plants and
growing the first garden vegetables of the season: squash, zucchini,
cucumbers. Remember we have hanging baskets and plants for sale.
Due to the great care given by the clients, our raised beds and
gardens should have a bumper crop this year.! We are gearing up for
Aqua Zumba classes and fun at the waterpark at the Conroe Parks &
Rec Aquatics Center. What better way to exercise than by dancing in the water with great music.

Here are just a few ways that you can give back to Bridgewood Farms!

• Purchase items on the Wish List • Give your time to assist teachers in class

• If your employer provides matching charitable donation fund, • Assist the office staff with general office activities for 1-2 hours

donate and match! a month

• Help with fall craft fairs (Sept-Nov) • If you are handy with tools, assist with property maintenance
one time a month

• Chaperone Waterpark outings (June-Aug) • Help with Burn Your Buns bike event (July)

A Special THANK YOU to all who have volunteered and made contributions to
Bridgewood Farms!

Dan & Tonie Allard; Diane Lawson; George & Ann Jones; Irene Ross & Trey Svrcek; Larry & Sara Soukup; Beverly Ward;
Maureen & Allen Harrison; JM Rolfs; Susan & Larry Mausser; Kathleen, Larry & Shelly Mahan; Ashley & Raymond Eggeling;
David & Kay Robertson; The Bubela Family; Jerry & Paula Shumpert; Karen & Duane Simmons; Panaroma Ladies
Assoc.;Randall & Tamara Oswald; Suez WTS Employee Giving Campaign; Tiffany Blake; John & Mary Anne Harmer III; Helen
Schwisow; BB & PR H (Peter Huntsman); Darwin & Gena Shaw; Joe Giovanniello; Chris Phillips; ChrisƟan O’Connell; Pam &
Davy Holak; Edna O’Neill; Enid Goodman; Flo Nelson; Karen Jones; Linda Denison; Mandy
Cannon; Marjorie, John & CurƟs Hildebrandt; Michelle Hotaling; Pat Thomas; Rhonda Fox;
Rita Schumacher; Rita Warner; Ruby Page; Sherri & Bill Brown; Tommy & Mary Kroczyk; The
Benevity Community Impact Fund; DW & EE RiƩer; Assistance League of MC; AmazonSmile;
Bentwater Civic AssociaƟon; Chevron Employees; Conroe Roller Derby; ExxonMobil; First
Presbyterian Church; Kroger; Helen Downey; Pat Shaw; Deanna Hubert; Karen Pinnell; Linda
Carter; Becky Musgrave; Angela Harris; Cindy Garza; Becky Musgrave; Ginny Bodman; NCL -
Monarch Chapter; NCL - Bluebonnets Chapter; NC Roundtable; Church of LaƩer Day Saints -
Woodlands; Cathy Silva; Sarah Matej

Page 6 Bridgewood Farms

July Happenings 2018 Important Future Dates

July 4: Burn Your Buns

07/04: Happy Birthday America! BWF CLOSED BWF Closed
Burn Your Buns Bike Ride (registration at 6:00 a.m. and ride starts at
7:30 a.m.) Sept 3: Labor Day—Closed
Sept 8: Fall Dance
07/05: Hot Dog Lunch (No Cost)
07/09: Incredible Pizza $14 TWCC 7:00-9:30
07/12, 17, 19, 24, 31 Aqua Zumba
07/13: Conroe Parks & Recreation Waterpark—Men—Prepay $12 when you Sept 22: Area Bocce Comp

RSVP Sept 27 Area Golf Comp
07/23: Conroe Parks & Recreation Waterpark—Women—Prepay $12 when
Oct 18-20 State Bocce Comp
you RSVP
07/26: Star Cinema & Grill $18

August Happenings Oct 22 BWF Golf Tourney

08/02: Conroe Parks & Recreation Waterpark—Men—Prepay $12 when you Oct 31: Halloween Luncheon

RSVP Nov 20: Thanksgiving Feast

08/07: Conroe Parks & Recreation Waterpark—Women—Prepay $12 when you Nov 22-23: Thanksgiving—
Closed
RSVP *Please sign up in advance
08/16: Incredible Pizza $14 and prepay for all Community Dec 8 : Christmas Dance
08/18: NASA
08/28: Star Cinema & Grill $18 Outings*

TWCC Noon-3:00

Meet Our Bridgewood Farms Family

Bridgewood Farms teachers and staff are an integral component to the success of Bridgewood Farms! Each issue we will
highlight individuals so that we can all get to know them better!

Help us welcome... Shelby Nelson

Robbie Norman Shelby was born in Houston, Texas but at
the age of 7 moved to Buda, Texas with
Transportation Van her parents and younger brother AusƟn.
Driver She lived in Buda for 12 years where she
graduated from Jack C. Hays High School.
Araceli Cruz AŌer high school she moved to Huntsville,
Texas to aƩend Sam Houston State
Special Needs Class University. She earned her bachelors degree in General Business
Assistant AdministraƟon in May 2017. She plans to pursue a Master's in
Business AdministraƟon in the fall.
Michelle Shelby has a 3 year old son named Ethan that keeps her busy. She
Wakefield loves to spend Ɵme outdoors with her son and also loves going to
the gym. She recently competed in her first ever Spartan race and
PreVocational Class plans to train for another one in the near future. When Shelby isn't
Assistant working you will catch her at either baseball games or spending
Ɵme with her family.
Shelby began volunteering at Bridgewood Farms at a very young
age. Her father and mother were Special Olympics cycling coaches
and she used to tag along on her tricycle. She also helped her
grandmother with gymnasƟcs at the age of 3.
Shelby began working at the farm in 2012 as the Physical EducaƟon
Teacher and Special Olympics coach. Throughout her years at
Bridgewood farms she has helped in the office, at fundraisers and
at the men's house. She became a Host Home Provider for Evelyn's
Manor in 2016 and loves being able to assist 4 ladies in her home
with life skills training/social events and volunteering with any
special events that Bridgewood Farms has on the calendar.

July 2018 PagPea3ge 7

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 7
4 5 6
8 14
15 BWF Closed Hot Dog 13 21
22 Burn Your Luncheon
29 Buns Bike Ride Waterpark
(No Cost) (men)
$12
9 10 11 12
20
Incredible Pizza Aqua Zumba
$14 #6

16 17 18 19

Aqua Zumba #7 Aqua Zumba

#8

23 24 25 26 27 28

Waterpark Aqua Zumba #9 Star Cinema
(women) $18
31
$12
Aqua Zumba
30 #10

August 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 4
23

Waterpark (men)
$12

5 6789 10 11

Waterpark
(women)

$12

12 13 14 15 16 17 18
NASA
Incredible pizza!

$12

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

Star Cinema
$18

Bridgewood Farms

11680 Rose Road
Conroe, TX 77303
Phone: 936-856-6460
Fax: 936-856-2620
“ Bridging the gap for the
Intellectually Disabled”

Become a fan of Bridgewood Farms

We enjoy having visitors come see our
facilities and meet our clients & staff. To

request a tour or learn more about our
programs, services, and volunteer oppor-
tunities, call us at 936-856-6460 or visit

our website
www.bridgewoodfarms.org

WISH LIST

Pre-Vocational Training: 8x10 Canvases; Prizes for Prize Box; Acrylic Paints (Primary Colors); Hobby
Lobby/Michael’s Gift Cards

Ceramics: Studio Equipment & Materials; Kiln Shelves RF159 21”x1”; NRA-04 Pugmill (to recycle clay); Asst
Maygo Glazes; Firing Rods; Slip; Clay; Stilts (bed of nails)

Shop: Large bench vise; 4” Angle Grinder (with grinding & cutting wheels); Riding Mower; Stihl 20-24”
Chainsaw

Health/OE: Pedometers (Class set of 30)
Horticulture: Four (4) Oscillating Fans; Acryllic Paints (Asst Colors); Paint Brushes

ACE: Pre-K Activity Books; K-1st Books; Prizes for Prize Box
Grace Manor– Bagless Vacuum Cleaner; Freezer

Hick’s House– Bagless Vacuum Cleaner; New Gas Weed Eater
Residential Properties: New Riding Lawnmower; 50’ Extensions Cords (2); Shop Vacuum; Leaf Blower

Bridgewood Farms– 2 Microwaves

CelebraƟng 50 Years Serving the Special Needs Community 1967-2018